UFC Shanghai: Road to the top! Khabib's cousin and Asian star headline the fight with their eyes on the belt.

Nurmagomedov and Song face off promotionally at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

The bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) provides fans with another high-level clash at UFC Shanghai . This Saturday (29), the main event pits the feared Umar Nurmagomedov against Song Yadong , a home athlete. And the encounter promises to be exciting, because Khabib Nurmagomedov 's cousin and the Asian star are high-level fighters and dream of a title fight, which also includes Sean O'Malley in the running.

See too

Carlos Prates defends Alex Poatan from criticism following controversies on social media: 'They lose control'

Glover Teixeira vs. Maurício Shogun: Remember the best victories of the Brazilians before the fight at Spaten Fight Night 3.

UFC Pirate battles Gracie family star in epic event headlined by Khamzat Chimaev

Currently, Umar is ranked second in the division and comes into this important fight riding a two-fight win streak. Song is ranked sixth in the weight class. Despite fighting in hostile territory, the Russian is considered the favorite to win by bookmakers, but the home fighter doesn't seem worried about that status and assures he has what it takes to pull off a surprise victory.

At this point in the championship, the fighters are already UFC veterans. Umar, in particular, has an advantage: the experience of competing for the belt. In 2025, the Russian challenged then-champion Merab Dvalishvili , putting on a real battle, but ultimately lost by unanimous decision, losing his undefeated record in MMA. The Chinese fighter, for his part, has also had some great fights and defeated former champions.

In terms of skill, based on what the fighters have shown so far, Khabib's cousin is superior. Umar is more well-rounded, possessing good striking, high-level grappling, and an above-average fight IQ. On the other hand, the Chinese fighter is faster and has greater explosiveness and power. Therefore, to win the fight, Song needs to expose himself and seek the knockout. The Russian, more pragmatic, should aim to control the pace of the fight, frustrate his opponent, and score points in striking and on the ground with less traumatic strikes.

UFC Shanghai technical sheet

Date: 29 August 2026

Time: From 4pm (Brasília time)

Location: SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center, Shanghai, China

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time , Paramount+ (entire card) on TV and internet.

MAIN CARD (7pm Brasília time)

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Umar Nurmagomedov x Song Yadong

Strawweight (up to 52,2 kg): Yan Xiaonan x Denise Gomes

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Aori Qileng x Kai Asakura

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr.

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas

PRELIMINARY CARD (4pm Brasília time)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Namsrai Batbayar vs. André Mascote

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Rei Tsuruya vs. Kevin Borjas

Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Jack Jenkins vs. Sean Woodson

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Xiao Long x Francesco Nuzzi

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Lawrence Lui vs. Hector Santiago

Strawweight (up to 52,2 kg): Xiong Jingnan x Julia Polastri

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Ding Meng vs. Cam Nelson

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.